Photo by Stephen BurnettEmployees, community leaders and other guests crowded the Walmart parking lot on May 21.
The second Walmart store in Cedar Park debuted the morning of May 21 with a grand opening ceremony and welcome from community leaders.
Walmart manager Keith Mitchell said the new store at 2801 E. Whitestone Blvd. offers 185,000 square feet of groceries and general merchandise. The store features a Subway restaurant and SmartStyle Hair Salon and is built with the retail chain's updated outer facade, Mitchell said.
"This is the new typical Walmart," he said.
The grocery section includes a product Mitchell said may be popular with Austin-area residents.
"We're going to be the first store in [Texas] to have fresh-made sushi every day," Mitchell said.
He said the Walmart will be open 24 hours a day and will close on Christmas.
The store employs 350 people including 10 salaried managers. About 30 percent to 40 percent of the workforce are part-time employees, Mitchell said.
Walmart construction began in May 2013. In January Phil Brewer, Cedar Park economic development director, said the new store could capture a new market at the growing intersection of Parmer Lane and East Whitestone Boulevard. Mitchell said he expects the store will also draw customers from north of Cedar Park, including the cities of Leander and Liberty Hill.
Mitchell said he enjoyed collaborating about the retail center with city planners.
"They love business as long as it's done the right way," he said.
Drivers can reach the store by turning right from Ronald Reagan Boulevard, or turning at the new signaled intersection at Market Street and Whitestone Boulevard.
